Chapter 48. Secret Kisses

Even without the sun's warmth, Emerald still looked soft and gentle, like a delicate petal slowly falling. Alaric didn't want to break the quiet moment, so he spoke softly, "Where should I put this?"

Emerald turned and saw Alaric holding a large woven bag in one hand. Gio had been complaining earlier about the weight of his bags, even though he only carried two. Emerald was surprised and immediately set down the hanger she was holding and stepped closer.

"Why are you carrying so many at once?" she asked.

"It's fine. Can I leave it here?" Alaric asked as he moved past her, placing the bags beside the bed. They seemed full of blankets and bedding.

"Sure."

Emerald glanced at him. Alaric's black T-shirt was soaked with sweat. He lifted the hem of his shirt to wipe his face, unintentionally revealing his toned abs. He looked like he had just taken a shower, drenched in sweat and clearly exhausted. Red marks lined his arms where the straps of the heavy bags had dug